Neo Geo Pocket Manuals

REPRODUCTION

PROHIBITED

BECKY'S VERSION

Distributed by

SNK CORPORATION

SNK BLDG., ENOKI-CHO, SUITA-SHI, OSAKA, 564-0053, JAPAN

; NEOGEO POCKET software cartridge

^Supported by NEOGEO POCKET and NEOGEO POCKET COLOR,

©SACNOTH 1999,2000
NEOP0089

'' Patents Issued and Pending
are trademarks of SNK CORPORATION.

NEOGEOVbCKET,

Foreword

Thank you for purchasing this "NEOGEO POCKET
software cartridge. Before you begin, be sure to read
this user's manual and iearn how to play the game
properly for extended entertainment.

Note: Because screen shots shown in this user's
manual were taken during development stage of
this game, be aware certain variations exist.

'^An aquatic adventure beckons

Using the Controller

Starting A Game

The Dock Menu

Layers —

Using Sonar

The Game Screen

Battle

Navigators

Parts and Weapons

The Training Mode

SAS Models

Interactive Battle

Hints

BECKV’S UERSION

NEW GAME

CONTINUE

Welcome to

the world of Dive Alert...

3

Ail aqu^tid ad^^iittire b

phe blue ocean stretches as far ^ the eye can
ipan see no iahd arounc^^^ are no otl^

imassii^

mm

:(;Systematic Armored Submarine) units neainlM^^w
.'alone.

Years agQ^the planet Earth was devastale|j
catastr<^h^?Faced with Ihggimpehdi
human / race," the finest j^|ntisW
gathered together arid bulilthe "Gur
massive supercomputer unlike any beforM|m|a^^ to save

The CDH built hundreds of marine stations calli^ifeBdm.us"'.

In these stations, randomly collected human eggs w^
artificially fertilized, producing samples to save the human
race.

You too are one of these samples, bred and grown in a
maturation chamber, as is everyone else in the world.
When you reached the age of 14, you were given an SAS
and a Navigator-an Al computer program based on the
CDH-and assigned duty as a Aquanaut. Your mission; to
reach the city of "Terra".

B Button

Joystick

A Button

BECKV’S UERSION

Using the Controllers

Starting A Game

"^starting a new game"^

(Basic Controls)

iiffia !•

A Button

Confirms selections/
Fires weapons

B Button

Cancels selections/
Opens Battle Menu

Option Button

Emits Active Sonar pulse

Joystick

Moves cursor/Moves SAS

First, select your character s name. Select a letter with the Joystick, and
press the A button to enter that letter, or press the B button to delete a
character.

Then, select your Navigator's name.

Finally, choose a name for your character's SAS (Systematic Armored Submarine).
(You can enter a name for your Navigator and SAS the same way you entered your
character's name.) Once ail name input has been compieted, the game begins.

~Playlng a saved game~

If you select [Continue], you can begin playing a game that
was previously saved.

You can save games in progress by selecting [Save] from the
Dock menu.

Make sure the "Dive Alert" game cartridge is
properly inserted into your NeoGeo Pocket unit and
press the Power button. The opening demo for the
game should begin playing. Press the A button to
stop the demo and go to the Title screen. If you
want to begin a new game, select [New Game]; if
you want to continue a previously-saved game,
select [Continue] and press the A button.

' riEW GAME

COMTirTUE

The Dock Menu

The starting point for all your adventures
-your home base-is the "Dock". When
you bring your SAS into the Dock, a
menu appears with the following options.

#Shop

You can use the Shop to buy new parts for your SAS, or sell
extra parts you don't need. (To use items and weapons you
buy at the Shop, you must attach them using [Set-up] .)

Using the Shop \

At the Shop, you can use the chips you acquire in S Missions, N Missions,
and the Training mode to purchase parts and weapons for your SAS. (You can
also sell unneeded parts.) Parts and weapons all have special characteristics,
so be sure to buy the ones that are best for you and your SAS.

•Set-up

Use this option to attach weapons and parts to your SAS.

Using Set>up

Set-up allows you to attach weapons and parts that you bought at the
Shop or won in battle to your SAS. Try to find the combination of
weapons and parts that works best for your submarine and fighting style. ^

•s Mission

This is the basic "Dive Alert" game, in which you try to reach the city of "Terra."

•N Mission

In this mode, you battle against various opponents for as long as
your air and fuel last, collecting experience points, chips, and
SAS parts. The mission ends as soon as you dock at a "Domus."

•Training

This is a mini-shooting game. You can
collect chips from defeated opponents, but
you do not get experience points or parts.

•interactive Battie

This mode allows you to use the NeoGeo Pocket Link Cable to
connect to a friend's NeoGeo Pocket and play against him or her! If
you win, you can get experience points, chips, and parts. (However,
if you lose, you can lose your SAS, Navigator, or other parts!)

•SAS Guide

You can view information you've
collected on different SAS models here.

Using the SAS Guide

The SAS Guide lists information on all the SAS models you've encountered. Since the
SAS models that appear in Matt's Version of "Dive Alert" are different from those
Becky's Version, to complete the SAS Guide, you'll need to play an Interactive Battle
with a friend who has a different version of "Dive Alert" than you do.

Layers

The world of Dive Alert Is divided Into four
sections called "Layers". The difference in
Layers allows for a variety of strategies in
combat, so be sure to keep your eye on the
"Depth Indicator".

■Your SAS is capable of moving between ail Layers. However, under
certain circumstances your movement may be impaired, as detailed below.

No Fuel

■^Movement on Layer 1 (Surface) is impossible
Battery dead

Movement on Layers 2, 3, and 4 (Underwater/Seabed) is impossible

No Air

Moving from Layer 1 (Surface) to Layers 2, 3,
and 4 (Underwater/Seabed) is impossible

Some weapons have no effect on an opponent unless both your SAS
and the enemy SAS are on the same Layer, while others can only be
used if your opponent's SAS is on a higher or lower Layer than you
are. Keep this in mind when selecting weapons to attach to your SAS.

Your SAS comes equipped with two kinds of sonar:
Passive Sonar and Active Sonar. You can use these
to gather information about your surroundings, such
as where an enemy is located and what Layer they're
on, what kinds of attacks they're using, and so on.

■Passive Sonar

This form of sonar allows you to get accurate information on
the location of enemy SASes. While it returns signals from
all Layers, it can only be used to scan areas near your SAS.

■Active Sonar

This form of sonar works by emitting and
tracking a strong sound wave, and can be
used to detect an enemy and determine
what Layer they are on. (It cannot detect
enemies on Layer 4 (Seabed).) However,
since it uses a sound pulse, there is a
slight time lag in the readout, meaning
that the information provided by the
active sonar cannot be updated in real
time. Also, using Active Sonar wil register
on an enemy's Passive Sonar, allowing
them to detect your position.

The Game Screen

OHit Points

This represents how much damage your SAS can take. If the
gauge runs out and the number reaches 0, the game ends.

©Weapons

This displays how much ammo is left for each weapon attached to your SAS.

©Fuel

This shows the amount of fuel remaining in your SAS.

Directions

N=North

E=East

W=West

S=South

k

If this number reaches 0, you can no longer use your engines and cannot move on
Layer 1 (Surface). (Even if you run out of fuel, as long as you have air and battery
power remaining, you can move on Layers 2, 3, and 4 (Underwater/Seabed).)

OAir

This shows the amount of air remaining in your SAS. If it reaches 0, you
will be unable to move to Layers 2, 3, and 4 (Underwater/Seabed). If you
remain on Layer 1 (Surface), your air supply will slowly replenish itself.

©Battery Power

This displays your remaining battery charge. If it reaches 0,
you will be unable to use your underwater motor, and cannot
move while in Layer 2 and lower (Underwater/Seabed). You
can recharge your battery by moving on Layer 1 (Surface).
©Depth indicator

This displays what Layer your SAS is currently on.

©Enemy SAS

This displays the location of enemy SASes and what Layer they are on.

©Your SAS

This shows the current location of your SAS.

©Compass

The direction of the current target is highlighted in red.

Battle

Movement

Your SAS is normally moved with the Joystick. (Note: You cannot move
backwards or towards on Layer 4.) To move your SAS from the current
Layer to a different Layer, press the B button to open the Battie Menu.
Align the cursor to one of your weapons and move the Joystick to the
left or right to display the following options: "Baliast", "Float", and
"Dive". Once you have selected an option, press the A button to confirm
selection. (Note: Selecting "Ballast" causes you to move up Layers
normal. This option can only be selected a number of times
equal to the amount of Ballast you are carrying on your SAS.)

"Dive Alert" allows you to take part in realistic simulations of submarine
combat, where the only guides are your sonar and instincts. This
section will explain how combat works in the "Dive Alert".

Finding a Target

Use your Passive Sonar and Active Sonar to find an enemy
SASes. You can emit an Active Sonar signal by pressing the
Option Button, which will allow you to detect enemy
locations and what Layers they are on. Be careful-using the
Active Sonar alerts enemy ships to your location as well.

Using Weapons

ill

Once you have found an enemy SAS, press the B button to
open the Battle Menu. Use the Joystick to select a weapon
with the cursor and press the A button to confirm your
selection. This arms that weapon, allowing you to fire it. To
attack, use the Joystick to align your SAS so that it's
facing the target enemy SAS, and press the A button to fire.

Salvage

ill

If you sink an enemy SAS in combat, in addition to receiving
chips and experience points, you may also be able to
salvage parts and Navigators from the destroyed SAS.

Your Navigator is your computerized partner,
a friend who accompanies you on your
journey and offers advice. Navigators are Al
contructs, and each has its own individual
personality. You can purchase new Navigators
at Shops or salvage them from destroyed

An insecure personality who
hides his bouts of despair and
loneliness behind a cynical
face.

An intelligent, studious type,
this Navigator has a lot to
learn about the real world. His
innocent mistakes often lead
to unpredictable results.

enemy SASes

this Navigator tends to
a lot-usually about himself.

A simple, friendly type of
Navigator who likes to spend
his time off with his hobby:
building plastic models.

Bryce has a few quirks, but is
basically a lovable Navigator.
He seems to be the only one
who thinks his jokes are
funny.

This Navigator appears as
some kind of mammal. His cute
antics help his partners relieve
the stress of long, lonely and
dangerous ocean voyages.

CSI&QjiDCS

You can buy various parts and weapons for your SAS at Shops. These
parts and weapons can be attached to your SAS using [Set-up], but
the number and kind of weapons and parts that can be attached vary
according to the size and cargo capacity of your SAS. Be sure to
check the "SIZE" attribute of parts and weapons before you buy them.

Weapons

You can attach up to three different kinds of weapons to your SAS
(although only one type of weapon can be armed at any given time). All
weapons have differing specifications, such as range and firing method.

Anti-Sub Missile

This weapon can be used against an enemy on Layer 1, regardless
of what Layer your SAS is on. Pressing the A button when this
weapon is armed brings up a firing scope; after lining the target up
in the scope, press the A button again to launch the missile.

Q Torpedo

This weapon is for use against enemies on the same
Layer as your SAS. Simpiy aiign your SAS with the
target and press the A button to fire.

y Guided Torpedo

This torpedo picks up the target's motor and engine noise and uses it
to track down the target, it can be fired regardless of your SAS's
position relative to the target, but the target must be on the same Layer.

fH Depth Charge

This weapon is for use against enemies on a lower Layer than your SAS.
However, it has no effect unless the enemy SAS is directly beneath yours.

^Mine

This weapon is for use against enemies on a higher Layer than your SAS.
However, it has no effect unless the enemy SAS is directly above yours.

Decoy

This mechanicai decoy emits a ioud noise to attract
Guided Torpedos iaunched by your opponents.

Engine

Your engine is used for moving your SAS on Layer 1
(Surface). The quieter the engine, the harder it is for
your opponents to track you using their Passive Sonar.

#Waiter Engine

Although this engine doesn't have much horsepower, its special oxidized
fuel allows it to be used in Layers 2, 3, and 4 (Underwater/Seabed).

Motor

The motor is used for moving your SAS on Layers
2, 3, and 4 (Underwater/Seabed). Your motor's
power increases as your SAS ievels up.

Battery

These are used to power your motor, and are recharged
by using your SAS's engine. The larger the batteries, the
longer they can power the motor without being
recharged. There are three sizes of batteries: S, M, and L.

Fuel Battery

These non-rechargable batteries use fuel and
oxidized fuel as their power source.

Fuel Tank

This is required to use an engine on your SAS. If
you run out of fuel, you cannot move on Layer 1.

Oxidizer Tank

This is necessary if your SAS has a Walter Engine
or Fuel Batteries.

Air Tank

Ballast

These are weights carried on your SAS. You can rise
faster than normal while on Layers 2, 3, and 4 by releasing
a ballast. (This is a good way to avoid enemy torpedos.)

Navi

You can also purchase additional Navigator personalities at Shops.

This tank holds air for your SAS. There are nine different sizes, and the larger the
tank, the longer your SAS can stay submerged before replenishing its air supply.

In this mode, you attach parts
and weapons purchased at a
Shop to your SAS.

#Equip

Attach parts to your SAS.

•Add

Reload the weapons attached to your SAS.

•Confm

Short for "Confirm"; allows you to check your SAS equipment status.

•Recmnd

Short for "Recommended"; allows you to auto-attach a
recommended set of equipment.

•Clear

Removes all attached weapons and parts from your SAS.

•End

Closes the Setup screen.

When you select [Equip], a menu is
displayed that shows you the parts
and weapons currently attached to
your SAS. Your cargo capacity and

current capacity are also displayed. Remember, you can't add

more equipment to your SAS than its maximum capacity.

22

In this mode, you have 60 seconds and 40 shots
with which to beat the high score. At the end of
the training session, your score is converted
into chips. The sessions ends as soon as the
timer reaches 0 or you run out of ammo.

Use the Joystick to move your ship left and right, aiming for the targets. Press the A button to fire weapons.

Target

HP

Points

^ Ship 1

1

1

Ship 2

2

3

Ship 3

2

4

Ship 4

3

8

Ship 5

3

9

Mermaid

5

25

Octopus

9

36

Clock

Increases remaining time.

Surfer

Increases remaining ammo.

^l Peach

Stops the timer and allows you to fire unlimited shots for 10 seconds.

23

Adely

A penguin-shaped SAS. Although
heavily armed, it has light armor.

There are several different types, or models, of SAS. As your
SAS increases in level, the hull gets stronger and even evolves.
If your SAS is destroyed (its HP are reduced to 0), the game ends.

(Note: The SAS models found in Becky's Version of "Dive
Alert" are different from those found in Matt's Version.)

Olive

Modelled after a turtle, this SAS is
heavily armored but very slow.

Shaped like a tropical fish, this
small SAS is heavily armored but
has a low cargo capacity.

Jaguar

With its two arms, this SAS was designed
for deep-sea exploration. It is equally
capable both beneath and above the waves.

You can play against your friends using "Dive AlerT's
Interactive Battie Mode. This section shows you how
to setup and play the Interactive Battle Mode.

IWhat You Need

NEOGEO Pocket Color (or NeoGeo Pocket) units 2

"Dive Alert" software cassette 2

(any combination of the Matt's Version or Becky's Version may be used)
NEOGEO Pocket Link Cable 1

^Getting Started

After confirming that both NeoGeo Pocket units are
turned off, attach the Link Cable.

After inserting the "Dive Alert" software cartridge into
both NeoGeo Pocket units, press the Power button.

Select [Interactive Battle] from the Dock menu and press the A button to begin the game.

26

^Note: Be sure to read the manual and follow the recommended
operating procedures when using the Link Cable.

^If you do not have any saved games, you will need to
complete the first scenario and return to the Dock before
being able to select the Interactive Battie Mode.

Here are some hints from the Dive Alert design
team to help you if you're having trouble playing
the game.

Q

Help! I can't hit any of the enemy
ships, but their attacks always hit
me!

I've played the Training Mode and gotten a lot
of chips, which I used to buy the best weapons,
the fastest engine, and the most powerful
motor, but I can't get them onto my SAS!

I have lots of powerful weapons on my
SAS, but when I go out to blow up some
enemy ships, they blow me up instead,
and I can't even see them! Help!

Q

First, observe what Layer the enemy ships are on. See the iittle numbers
on the enemy ships displayed on your sonar screen. That shows what
Layer the ships are on. Plan your attack based on what kind of weapons
you have-do you have any that can attack ships on a different Layer, or

do you need to dive or rise to the same Layer as the enemy ships?

J

Check your SAS's size in the [Setup] screen.
If your SAS's level is low, you can only
attach light weapons and small engines. As
your SAS's level goes up, you'll be able to
attach bigger and heavier engines and
weapons.

Remember, there are two different kinds of sonar.
The reason why you can't see the enemy ships is
probably because they're not moving, which means
your Passive Sonar can't pick them up. On the
other hand, since you're moving around looking for
them, you show up on their Passive Sonar.

MEMO

MEMO